What Does it Take to Be a Mechanical Drafter?

Mechanical Drafter Definition Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

What Do Mechanical Drafters Do On a Daily Basis?

• Lay out, draw, and reproduce illustrations for reference manuals and technical publications to describe operation and maintenance of mechanical systems.
• Position instructions and comments onto drawings.
• Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.
• Supervise and train other drafters, technologists, and technicians.
• Draw freehand sketches of designs, trace finished drawings onto designated paper for the reproduction of blueprints, and reproduce working drawings on copy machines.
• Produce three-dimensional models, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.

Qualities of a Mechanical Drafter

When polled, Mechanical Drafters say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Related Job Titles for this Occupation:

• CAD Operator (Computer Aided Design Operator)
• Die Designer
• Mechanical Design Drafter
• Mechanical Drafter
• Piping Designer

Is There Going to be Demand for Mechanical Drafters?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 64,800 jobs in the United States for Mechanical Drafter. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5.2% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 3,400 new jobs for Mechanical Drafter by 2026. There will be an estimated 5,900 positions for Mechanical Drafter per year.

The states with the most job growth for Mechanical Drafter are Nevada, Connecticut, and Wyoming. Watch out if you plan on working in Washington, Vermont, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Mechanical Drafter Average Salary

The typical yearly salary for Mechanical Drafters is somewhere between $35,720 and $88,280.

Mechanical Drafters who work in Washington, New Mexico, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Mechanical Drafters in different U.S. states.

What Tools do Mechanical Drafters Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Mechanical Drafters may use on a daily basis:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Access
• SAP
• Microsoft Project
• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Extensible markup language XML
• Dassault Systemes CATIA
• Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS
• Bentley Microstation
• PTC Creo Parametric
• Autodesk Revit
• Trimble SketchUp Pro
• Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
• Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
• Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
• Document management system software
• Adobe Systems Adobe After Effects

How to Become a Mechanical Drafter

What education is needed to be a Mechanical Drafter?

How many years of work experience do I need?

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: Pixabay via CC0 License

More about our data sources and methodologies.